Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP Eastmincom) underwent project-monitoring orientation and training over the weekend as the military takes an increasing role in the implementation of socioeconomic and development projects around the country.
The greater involvement of soldiers in development work was a part of the government’s strategy to defeat communist insurgency that for years centered mainly on armed response.
Eastmincom Spokesman Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey said the “Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Result Bases Monitoring and Evaluation Orientation for AFP” aims to help soldiers appreciate, understand and monitor government projects.
The military seeks to end activities by the New People’s Army (NPA) in areas under the Eastmincom, particularly in Compostela Valley and some parts of Davao del Sur, through a combination of direct operation and socio-development projects.
Balagtey said the training was held in consonance with Department of National Defense Department Order 384 and Regional Development Council XI Resolution 89 calling for the inclusion of military units in Davao Region as member-observer of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee XI.
“It was also aimed at enhancing the collaboration and coordination of the member-agencies in addressing the socioeconomic and development concerns of the different communities in the region more with the issuance of Executive Order 70 calling for the ‘whole of nation approach’ in ending the insurgency in the country,” Balagtey was quoted in a statement as saying.